Why are more people turning to Medicinal Cannabis?
Cannabis only continues to rise in popularity as both a medical and recreational drug. While more clinical research is needed, many studies back cannabis as a legitimate and safe restorative substance when used responsibly under expert surveillance. This is why so many more people are turning to it as an alternative to traditional prescription medications.
New research reinforces several potential health benefits of cannabis containing THC as opposed to just CBD.
Chemotherapy Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has endorsed several prescription drugs featuring synthetic cannabinoids similar to THC to help people manage the uneasy side effects that are often experienced with chemotherapy. This includes nausea and vomiting, along with loss of appetite and weight in patients with HIV/AIDS.
Multiple Sclerosis
Sativex is an oral spray medicine obtainable by prescription which contains both THC and CBD and is currently licensed in 25 countries. It is known to help ease muscle stiffness and spasms that are caused by multiple sclerosis.
Chronic Pain
Proof indicates that medications combining THC and CBD can act as effective treatments for chronic pain, specifically neuropathic pain (pain as a result of nerve damage) and nociceptive pain (pain as a result of persistent inflammation and connected damage.
Sleep
A 2018 study discovered that participants suffering from obstructive sleep apnea who took dronabinol (synthetic THC) before going to bed encountered a reduction in the number of times their breathing was erratic during sleep. Study participants also encountered stronger feelings of sleepiness.
There are of course more potential health benefits when it comes to cannabis that tempt people to give it a try, these include:
- Migraine
- Neuropathy
- Nausea/vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Inflammation
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Rheumatoid arthritis
It is no surprise that many medical cannabis patients turn to cannabis after failing to find relief with other more traditional pharmaceuticals. However, there still can be some side effects that need to be kept in mind.
Cannabis experts emphasise that the general safety of cannabis is dissimilar to most other drugs and legal pharmaceuticals. Cannabis has been known to cause both short-term and long-term effects depending on the person, the type of cannabis and the amount used.
Ingesting disproportionate amounts of THC can lead to side effects including:
- Anxiety
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Impaired motor function and coordination
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
Cannabis may also produce unfavourable effects when interacting with other drugs, such as blood thinners, particular chemotherapy agents anti-seizure medications and anti-rejection medications that are used following transplant surgery. It is always best to speak with your doctor before replacing any of your medications with cannabis or taking it alongside them.
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Liz Filmer
